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auora1484's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
unofficialcate's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
jonathanpalfrey's review against another edition
3.0
This is a perilous adventure for Penric, in which he’s taken by surprise in the night and captured by pirates during a sea voyage. He eventually manages to escape from their island base, with difficulty, and also rescues a couple of unaccompanied children.
Like some of the other stories, this one makes no permanent difference to his life. He has problems, he solves them, after which normal life is resumed. This is the first story in which he’s married, but his wedding hasn’t been described, and his wife remains safely at home during his adventure.
The new characters introduced here are minor, temporary, and of relatively little interest. The children make brief appearances in later stories.
This story is quite interesting, exploring the limits to Penric’s powers, but I find that I don’t actively enjoy much of it. The ending is quite fun, although the timing of it is rather too convenient for credibility.
Another credibility issue is Brother Godino, who first tries to throw them out of the temple, then becomes remarkably cooperative after Penric proves he’s a sorcerer. I’d have expected him to run straight to the pirates and complain, “There’s a sorcerer in my temple!”, leaving them to deal with the problem. Not very easy, perhaps, but sorcerers need food, water, and sleep, like other people.
Like some of the other stories, this one makes no permanent difference to his life. He has problems, he solves them, after which normal life is resumed. This is the first story in which he’s married, but his wedding hasn’t been described, and his wife remains safely at home during his adventure.
The new characters introduced here are minor, temporary, and of relatively little interest. The children make brief appearances in later stories.
This story is quite interesting, exploring the limits to Penric’s powers, but I find that I don’t actively enjoy much of it. The ending is quite fun, although the timing of it is rather too convenient for credibility.
Another credibility issue is Brother Godino, who first tries to throw them out of the temple, then becomes remarkably cooperative after Penric proves he’s a sorcerer. I’d have expected him to run straight to the pirates and complain, “There’s a sorcerer in my temple!”, leaving them to deal with the problem. Not very easy, perhaps, but sorcerers need food, water, and sleep, like other people.
kvedja's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
aishoka's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
crimsonsparrow's review against another edition
5.0
It's stories like these that absolutely keep me coming back to the author and the series for more. McMaster Bujold has a way of capturing and blending the sacred and the coarse, the mundane and the supernatural with candor, humor, tact, and a sweet beauty i find nowhere else. These are not fast-paced, hectic tales, but endearing ones, and this one showcases one of the most satisfying plot developments yet. A delightful standalone read, even, I definitely recommend.
PG13 for themes of human trafficking and violence.
PG13 for themes of human trafficking and violence.